Baking at home doesn't have to be complicated, especially when you've got a foolproof recipe like this orange poppy seed loaf. Quick breads like this one are the best because of their versatility-they can be breakfast, dessert, or a snack, depending on your mood. But this loaf? It's not just versatile. It's vibrant, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor that'll keep you coming back for more.
Whether you're baking for family, friends, or just yourself (no shame in that), this loaf hits all the marks. It's easy to make, uses everyday ingredients, and doesn't require any fancy equipment. Let's dive in and see why this orange poppy seed sweet bread deserves a spot in your rotation!
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This recipe was updated on May 13th 2025 to reduce flowery and fluffy information, add in FAQ, and the recipe at a glance.
Recipe at a Glance
- Bake Time - This recipe will take just over an hour.
- Bake Level - Consider this quick bread a simple, accessible, and entry level baking recipe.
- Swaps and Subs - If you are not into blood orange, you can simply use regular navel oranges, or just lemon, like in my lemon poppy seed loaf. Swap out the flour for a 1:1 gluten free flour, and you can use coconut sugar instead of the cane sugar. I've made it this way before and it still came out fabulous.
- Serve With:
The Ingredient List
- All-Purpose Flour: The bread flour is the backbone of good bread, giving it structure while keeping it tender.
- Baking Powder: The secret to that beautiful rise, ensuring your loaf is light and airy.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness and citrus notes.
- Cane Sugar: Adds sweetness without overshadowing the tangy blood orange flavor.
- Avocado Oil: A healthier alternative to butter, keeping the loaf moist without making it heavy.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth batter and adds richness to the loaf.
- Vanilla Extract: A flavor booster that complements the citrus and adds a hint of warmth.
- Blood Orange Juice and Zest: The star ingredients that bring bold, tangy flavor and a vibrant aroma.
- Poppy Seeds: These tiny seeds add a nutty flavor and delightful crunch, making every bite interesting.
- Cooking Spray: To make sure the bread doesn't stick to the bread pan.
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post for more information about quantities, measurements, and specific cooking instructions.
Step by Step Instructions
Preheat And Combine The Wet Ingredients
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f and line a loaf pan with parchment and nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, oil, and milk with a whisk until the eggs are full incorporated. In the same bowl, add in the blood orange juice and zest. Whisk to combine.
Fold In The Dry Ingredients
Pour in the flour, baking powder, salt, and using a spatula begin to fold the flour into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix-just fold until no streaks of flour remain.
Add The Poppy Seeds
Sprinkle the poppy seeds into the batter and fold them in until evenly distributed. This step ensures every slice has that satisfying crunch. Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes.
Bake And Enjoy
Pour in the batter into the pan. You can also use a cookie scoop to add the batter to the pan.
Spread the top of the loaf batter evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a regular spatula. Place in the oven to bake for 55-60 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. The loaf is done baking when the toothpick comes out clean and has a golden brown top.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If I Don't Have a Loaf Pan?
No worries! If you don't have a loaf pan, you can bake this batter in a round cake pan or even muffin tins. Just adjust the baking time-muffins will need only about 20-25 minutes, while a round pan may take around 35-40 minutes.
How Can I Make This Loaf Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Be sure to check the flour blend's instructions for any additional adjustments. You may need to add an extra egg or a little more moisture, but the loaf should turn out just as beautifully.
How do I store this? Can I freeze it?
This poppy seed loaf will stay on the countertop in a tightly sealed container for up to 3-4 days.
I also suggest adding a loaf to the freezer for a day where you just don't feel like being in the kitchen. Be sure to label the freezer loaf with the date in which it was baked, and it will be good for up to one to two months in the freezer.
Hungry for more?
Check out these other recipes that are just as satisfying as this one!
Did you love this recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you!
Blood Orange Poppy Seed Loaf
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 hand whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 loaf pan
- measuring spoons and cups
- parchment paper
- non stick spray
Ingredients
- 256 grams all purpose flour 2 cups scooped and leveled
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking salt
- 2 whole eggs
- 150 grams cane sugar ¾ cup
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoon poppy seeds
- ½ cup blood orange juice
- 2 tablespoon blood orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º and line a loaf pan with parchment and nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, oil, and milk with a whisk until the eggs are full incorporated.
- In the same bowl, add in the blood orange juice and zest. Whisk to combine.
- Pour in the flour, baking powder, salt, and using a spatula begin to fold the flour into the wet ingredients.
- To the batter, pour in the poppy seeds and mix until the poppy seeds are evenly distributed in the batter. Let the batter sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Pour in the batter into the pan. You can also use a cookie scoop to add the batter to the pan.
- Spread the batter evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a regular spatula. Place in the oven to bake for 55-60 minutes.
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. The loaf is done baking when the toothpick comes out clean.
Breanna says
This is so good!
Morgan Peaceman says
Thank you!! I am so glad you think so 🙂